Sunday's Best Bets

Sunday

Sep 28, 2008 at 2:00 AM

Knit your way to warmth

Knit your way to warmth

Peaceful Breeze Farm and Alpacas is celebrating National Alpaca Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the farm on Route 42 in Monticello. Learn about these small camel relatives with long necks, soft fleeces and sweet eyes. These creatures with quirky personalities have been bred for their fine, warm wool for thousands of years in Peru, where wise knitters know a thing or two about coping with the cold. Don't mistake alpacas for llamas. They are no one's beast of burden and when displeased, they're known to spit. Learn more at this free event. Call 794-1111.

Dutch barn walk

The Hudson Valley is still home to a wealth of Dutch barns, which still impress historians with their sturdy, unique construction. They're a disappearing resource, though, as time and development take their toll on the remaining structures. Historian and barn expert Richard Heyl de Ortiz of the Huguenot Historical Society will give a walking tour at 11 a.m. of the Dutch barns still in use at Hurds Family Farm on Route 32 in Modena and a second nearby historic location. The talk is free. Call 883-6300 or go to www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com.

Drama of fiery women

"Women on Fire," an award-winning play that explores women's issues with humor and passion, will be performed at 1 p.m. at Old Stone House, 282 Hasbrouck Road, in Hasbrouck. The dramatic reading by actresses Roanne Patterson, Constance Slater, Sharlene Hartman, Cookie House, Ellen Pavloff and Carol Montana benefits the 1810 Old Stone House and will be held in the outdoor pavilion. $10. Call 436-6309.

Park Anniversary

Sterling Forest State Park celebrates 10 years as a state park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Tuxedo with a variety of activities and, of course, cake. The nearly 18,000 acres of wilderness, less than 40 miles from New York City, started as a smaller parcel rescued from suburban development. The park will showcase the variety of attractions hidden in its bounds with talks, walks, demonstrations and exhibitions. Begin with a walk at 9 a.m. at the Lautenberg Visitors Center on Old Forge Road before the cake at noon. Activities continue until 3 p.m. Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring birding binoculars and explore. Free admission, and everyone gets cake. Call 201-848-1080.